Description
Native in the United States from Maine down through Florida, the Eastern Red Cedar will grow in barren areas that other trees struggle to survive. From damp areas to dry rocky ground, the red cedar is able to grow. They do not do well in really swampy areas. When grown in their favored conditions, moist soil and full sun, they will mature at 30-40′ tall. If grown in a more barren area they may never grow larger than a shrub. It can be difficult to transplant, but once established it grows easily.
As a seedling the needles are pointed and somewhat sharp. When the tree matures, they flatten out, becoming scaley and blueish green. Female red cedar trees produce a blueish juniper berry (cone) that cedar waxwing birds love! Male trees will have cones that produce quite a bit of pollen. Red cedar are grown for privacy barriers, wind blocks, specimen trees and in some warmer areas of the country they are grown for Christmas trees. The wood from these trees is rot and insect resistant. It has been used for building, and making chests or wardrobes that repel insects.
